Staging, recurrence and follow-up of uterine cervical cancer using MRI: Updated Guidelines of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology after revised FIGO staging 2018

Eur Radiol. 2021 Oct;31(10):7802-7816. doi: 10.1007/s00330-020-07632-9. Epub 2021 Apr 14.

Abstract

Objectives: The recommendations cover indications for MRI examination including acquisition planes, patient preparation, imaging protocol including multi-parametric approaches such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI-MR), dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE-MR) and standardised reporting. The document also underscores the value of whole-body 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG-PET/CT) and highlights potential future methods.

Methods: In 2019, the ESUR female pelvic imaging working group reviewed the revised 2018 FIGO staging system, the up-to-date clinical management guidelines, and the recent imaging literature. The RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM) was followed to develop the current ESUR consensus guidelines following methodological steps: literature research, questionnaire developments, panel selection, survey, data extraction and analysis.

Results: The updated ESUR guidelines are recommendations based on ≥ 80% consensus among experts. If ≥ 80% agreement was not reached, the action was indicated as optional.

Conclusions: The present ESUR guidelines focus on the main role of MRI in the initial staging, response monitoring and evaluation of disease recurrence. Whole-body FDG-PET plays an important role in the detection of lymph nodes (LNs) and distant metastases.

Key points: • T2WI and DWI-MR are now recommended for initial staging, monitoring of response and evaluation of recurrence. • DCE-MR is optional; its primary role remains in the research setting. • T2WI, DWI-MRI and whole-body FDG-PET/CT enable comprehensive assessment of treatment response and recurrence.

Keywords: Diffusion Weighted Imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neoplasm recurrence; Neoplasm staging; Uterine cervical neoplasms.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiology*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18